An instruction guide on how to create a memorable (and hopefully successful) charity event

Step 1: Start with an idea.

This idea came from my friend Pete who has gone snow skiing and water skiing on the same day. Dual sport events are a lot of fun. Golfing and hockey on the same day? That’s pretty epic.

Step 2: Have an amazing organizing committee with various skill sets who can share the workload. Because there is lots of work to be done. They have to be ”connected in the community" or it’s all uphill.

I so appreciate: Cory “The Spreadsheet” Davidson, Garrett “The Hustler” Milsap, Jude “ The Saint” Brunt, Rick “The Giv’er” Miller, Curtis “Da Man” Grainger, Matt “The OG” Nye, and my lovely wife Jennifer who picks up all the slack, which I create loads of.

Step 3: Create a compelling story of how the event will work and who will benefit the community. The key is to try to have the generous businesses get something in return for their offerings. Try to ask, “What’s in it for them?” Yes, they will almost always give but if you can create an environment where everyone can win well, you might have some real momentum.

We had CSN Collision Centres, RBC Dominion, Freddy’s Brewpub, Harvest Golf Club, BN3TH, Lakehouse Kitchens, West Kelowna Hockey Centre, Golf Evolution, Big White Ski Resort, Luxury Mountain Vacation Rentals, Andres Electronics, CyclePath, Acera Insurance, Ava Arc Welding, Joe & Sounds Concrete, K96, Country 100.3 and KelownaNow to name a few.

Step 4: Bomb the first year. The first year we had it. It was stressful and only a few brave souls came. But we went through with it and had a tourney. Those that did go, had good things to say. Weird.

Step 5: Thank people. Even for the smallest gestures. “Take time to be kind and say thank you" - Zig Ziglar. My heart is full because 42 'Average Players Who Give a Puck' participants, raised just shy of $30,000 for four incredible charities who do amazing work. The Central Okanagan Food Bank, Project Literacy, CRIS Adaptive and Elevation Outdoors.

Step 6: Learn from mistakes and always try to make it better. Our team will review what went right and what went wrong in the May 4th, 2024 edition, and try to make this event even better for a fourth year.

I can’t wait.

- Rick Maddison